The Sammy Miller and The Congregation performance at the North Iowa Auditorium has not been rescheduled yet. The show has been postponed due to winter weather and COVID-19.
Joyful jazz is coming to North Iowa.
That’s thanks to Sammy Miller and The Congregation, a seven-piece band from New York City.
The group, presented by First Citizens Bank, will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, at the North Iowa Community Auditorium, 500 College Drive, in Mason City as part of NIACC’s 2019-2020 Performing Arts and Leadership Series.
“There’s a lot of music, comedy and theatrical elements,” Miller said. “It’s unlike anything anyone has seen. It’s real handmade.”
Miller, a Los Angeles native and Grammy Award-nominated drummer, has become known for making music that feels good as a percussionist, vocalist, and bandleader.
Upon completing his master’s degree at The Julliard School, he formed his ensemble, The Congregation, comprising other conservatory-trained musicians Sam Crittenden, trombone; Ben Flocks, tenor sax; Miller’s sister Molly Miller on guitar; Alphonso Horne, trumpet; Corbin Jones, bass and tuba; and David Linard, piano.
Sammy Miller and The Congregation, a seven-piece band from New York City, will perform on Jan. 17 in Mason City.
The band, described as a mashup of Ben Folds and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, has played nonstop around the world since 2014.
Select highlights include performances at Umbria Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The White House, The Kennedy Center, Prokofiev Concert Hall in Russia, and the Newport Jazz Festival where the group received a standing ovation.
While independently the band members have performed and recorded with notable artists, like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Wynton Marsalis, Jason Mraz, Queen Latifah, and Iron and Wine at venues including the White House, Lincoln Center, and the Hollywood Bowl, they have opted to stick together to spread joy throughout the world.
“It’s our job and responsibility to remind people how much fun we can have here on earth,” he said.
Their live show has grown to be something of a mix between a comedy troupe and a dazzling rock band that plays reimagined jazz.
“The band got its start where people didn’t seek jazz, so the show is designed as a gateway for people who never thought they’d like jazz or maybe want something a little different,” Miller said.
The show’s energy and sound will be captured for the first time in Sammy Miller and The Congregation’s debut album “Leaving Egypt” that will be released next month.
During Sammy Miller and The Congregation’s two-day residency in North Iowa, they will work with area high school students during clinics and workshops as part of the NIACC Jazz Festival.
Sammy Miller and The Congregation, a seven-piece band from New York City, will perform on Jan. 17 in Mason City.
The Mason City show is among dozens on group’s current tour celebrating the release of the group’s album.
“We’re thrilled that North Iowa gets to be a part of it,” Miller said.
To learn more about the show or the band, visit www.sammymillercongregation.com.
For tickets to the Sammy Miller and The Congregation show, call the NIACC Box Office at 1-888-466-4222, extension 4188, or visit www.niacc.edu/boxoffice.
North Iowa Celebrations: Anniversaries, weddings, birthdays and more for Jan. 5
Vivian McEldoon, 90 years
Vivian McEldoon was born in Omaha, NE on February 1, 1930. She attended grade school in Garner and graduated from School of Nursing Mercy Hospital. She married Bob McEldoon January 24, 1950. Their children include Kirby & Kay, 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She worked 17 years at Mercy and retired from Public Health. She will celebrate her 90th birthday with family and friends.
Wayne Larson, 90
Wayne Larson of Sheffield will be honored at an Open House on Saturday, February 1, 2020, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockwell Sacred Heart Catholic Parrish Hall to celebrate his 90th Birthday. He was born on February 3, 1930, in Crystal Lake, IA. Cards and wishes may be sent to him at 505 E. Gilman St., Apt. 111, Sheffield, IA 50475.
Nina (Venola) Diegel, 100
Wow! 100th Birthday
For Nina (Venola) Diegel
Sunday, February 2, 2020
We are so happy to celebrate with our Mom / Grandma / Great Grandma on her 100th Birthday! Everyone is invited to an Open House in her Honor at the Nora Springs Care Center Activity Room from 2:00 – 4:00 on Sunday, February 2nd.
After teaching, she and her husband, Lester, farmed north of Nora Springs, IA and raised two daughters. They retired in 1975 and kept busy with church activities, gardening, traveling and helping family. Lester passed away in 2001.
Venola’s two daughters are: Linda (Stephen) Duvall and Mary (Brian) Snell. Venola’s six grandchildren and their children include: Laura (James) Brown and Lola, Lucy and Calvin Brown; Megan (Bret) Hartman and baby; Julia (Stefan) Duvall-Hansen and Ida and Sol Hansen; Elise (Rex) Davidson and baby; Brendon (Katie) Snell and Bryce and Blake Snell; and Chris (Katie) Snell.
Prayer to the Blessed Virgin
(Never Known to Fail)
Oh, Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.
Oh Star of the Son, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.
Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make your request.)
There are none that can withstand your power.
Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times).
Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (three times).
Say this prayer for three consecutive days.
You must publish this and it will be granted to you.
-MMS
Lorraine Reynolds celebrates 90 years!
Lorraine Reynolds will turn 90 years old on February 1, 2020. Please help her celebrate by sending a card to Heritage Care Center, 501 S. Kentucky, Mason City, IA 50401. She will enjoy hearing from all of you!
Walters, 60 years
Don and Lucy Walters, of Mason City, Iowa, were married January 31, 1960, in Frost, Minnesota. The couple will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Cards and wishes may be sent to them at 119 Fifth St. NW, Mason City, IA 50401.
Noon Rotary Student of the Month, Luke Mulholland
Luke Mulholland is a senior at Mason City High School. He has been chosen as the Noon Rotary Club’s “Student of the Month.”
Luke is the son of Tim Mulholland and Tonya Gray. He has a brother, Zack, and a sister, Audra. He participates in cross country and track. He is a three-time letter winner in cross country and a four-time letter winner in track. He has qualified for the state track meet as a junior. He has been recognized on the Principal’s List, Honor Roll, and is a member of the National Honor Society. He volunteers at First United Methodist Church and participates in the Silver Cord program. He works at Fareway and Parks and Rec. Luke’s future plans are to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison with an undecided major.
Noon Rotary Student of the Month, Myah Lewerke
Myah Lewerke, a senior at Mason City High School, was chosen as the Noon Rotary Club's "Student of the Month" for January. She is the daughter of Rich and Natasha Lewerke and sister of Landyn Lewerke.
Lewerke is a member of the Mason City High School Concert Choir and is the Vice President of National Honor Society and Student Senate. She has lettered in Academics and in National Honor Society. Her awards and honors include: Honor Roll, 2 time CIML Art Show winner, and Silver Cord. She has also earned her CNA and will graduate from NIACC in May. Lewerke's community activities include many Student Senate and National Honor Society service projects. Lewerke plans to attend NIACC next year to pursue a degree in Nursing.
Arnold Pueggel, 100
Please help Arnold Pueggel celebrate his 100th birthday by attending an open house at the Hub, (501 First Ave. N, Clear Lake) 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, or by sending a card including your favorite memory of Arnold to 401 10th Ave N, Apt #3, Clear Lake, IA 50428.
Thank you
Thank you to my Family for the Awesome Birthday Surprise Party! Thank you to all friends for the many, many (more than my Birthday Age) birthday cards and wishes. I am Truly Blessed.
Karen Knudtson
Five Generation Family
Clockwise from lower left: Louise (Ballhagen) Burnett, 85, great-great-grandmother, Nora Springs (formerly from Rudd); Carolyn (Burnett) Ewen, 66, great-grandmother, Rockford; Tonya (Ewen) Obermire, 45, grandmother, Mason City; Elise Obermire, 20, mother, Mason City; Veda Faye Swenson, 1 month old daughter, born 12/5/19 in Mason City.
Thank you
Thank you to all who sent cards and greetings to us for our 50th wedding anniversary. Your thoughtfulness helped to make it a very special time for us.
Leon & Betty
Prayer to the Blessed Virgin
(Never Known to Fail)
Oh, Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.
Oh Star of the Son, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.
Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make your request.)
There are none that can withstand your power.
Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times).
Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (three times).
Say this prayer for three consecutive days.
You must publish this and it will be granted to you.
-MMS
Still Devine at 99
Frances Morse will be celebrating her 99th birthday on Friday, Jan. 17. The party starts at noon with a roast beef dinner at the Osage Senior Citizens at 615 State St. Anyone wishing to join her for dinner should call the Osage Senior Citizens at 641-732-4260 by 8:30 a.m., Jan. 17. Following the meal, all card players are invited to join Frances in playing a round of 500. If you plan on playing cards, give Frances a call at 641-732-4155 so we know how many places to set. If you're only interested in cake and ice cream, come at 3:30 p.m. when we will light up the cake and serve ice cream. If you can't attend, send her a card at 615 Pine St., Osage, IA 50461.
Lois Krumm, 90
Happy 90th Birthday
To Lois Krumm
On January 8, 2020!
Please help her celebrate her special day by sending greetings to her at:
Kentucky Ridge Assisted Living
2060 S Kentucky Ave, #203
Mason City, IA 50401
Karen Knudtson, 80
Karen Knudtson will turn 80 on Thursday, January 2. We, the family, want to wish Karen this wonderful milestone in her life. She has been a generous and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and wife. From us to you, Happy Birthday. We will celebrate this day together. Birthday greetings may be sent to 953 Knollwood Ln, Mason City, IA 50401.
Thank you
Thank you to all my family, friends and well-wishers who attended my retirement party, sent cards of congratulations or phoned me. Your love and support toward my upcoming “unemployment” was greatly appreciated. I will miss seeing you and talking to you as I always did.
Thanks!
Mark Repp – Birdsall’s
XPO Employee of the Month, John Schutz
John Schutz has been nominated by his co-workers to receive the Employee of the Month award for the month of November. John is quick and efficient in his pickups and deliveries, and also steps up to the task when additional help is needed breaking freight on the dock. Thank you, John, for your contribution to the XPO operation, and for your excellent attendance.
Thank You
Terry and I would like to thank all our family and friends who were so kind to help us celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary, whether by card or your attendance at our party given for us by our children and grandchildren. They are: Josh and Missy Alcorn, Carter and Tyson, LeMars, Iowa; Kit and Wendy Alcorn, Clear Lake; Jared, Des Moines; and Kylie, North Liberty. And thank you to Father John Gossman for acknowledging us at our church, St. Patrick’s in Clear Lake. God bless each and every one of you who made our 50th Anniversary so very special.
Terry and Mariann Alcorn
Nancy Frahm, 80
Happy 80th Birthday,
Nancy Frahm!
Please join in celebrating Nancy’s milestone birthday Sunday, January 5, 2020! Greetings and well wishes can reach her at 8458 Bent Creek Way, Naples, FL 34114.
She would love to hear from you!
Thank you
The Kulhavy family would like to thank everyone who attended LoRee’s 100th birthday party and to those who sent cards. She was very touched by everyone who celebrated with her.
Julie Hanawalt turned 60 on December 27th!!!
Julie Hanawalt, of Rockwell, turned 60 on Friday, December 27. Please help her celebrate her special day by sending greetings to her at 3737 Lark Ave, Rockwell, IA 50469.
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Reach Reporter Ashley Stewart at 641-421-0533. Follow her on Twitter at GGastewart.
